Large crowds of spectators filled Burnham’s seafront Saturday afternoon (June 7th) to see more than 100 vintage vehicles arrive in town for the 15th annual Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run.
Burnham’s Mayor Peter Clayton and Mayoress Jo Burridge were on hand to judge the event – and they picked a 1928 Austin Burnham Saloon (pictured below) owned by Phil and Mary Biffin of Bridgwater as being of special mention.
Peter explained to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The car caught my eye due to its immaculate condition. It’s been restored beautifully and the passengers Phil and Mary also looked the part as well in their matching traditional costumes.”
A 1934 Lagonda owned by vehicle restorer Ted Parker was also singled out for praise and won the Mayor’s Trophy. Ted told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the winning car was of special local interest as it was originally owned by Burnham playwright Ben Travers, who has a road in the town named after him.
The South Esplanade was closed to traffic for several hours to allow the large crowds of spectators on the town’s seafront to see the vintage cars, motorbikes, vans and lorries dating back more than 20 years. The vehicles left Burnham at 5.30pm en route to Glastonbury on their 41-mile trip. Click here for our online video coverage.
Thousands of pounds is expected to have been raised at the event for this year’s charity, the Royal Ghurkha Regiment Welfare Fund.
The vintage vehicles swept past Burnham’s Reeds Arms pub on the seafront
Peter Hitchings with his 1929 Sherpley Six Speed during Saturday’s event
The Mayor and Mayoress with Alan Gloak, Chairman of Somerset County Council, and Gurkha Captain Roj Gurung and his son Rajat (10) during the event
Geoff Glasser with his vintage US Army truck on Burnham seafront
A 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn was inspected by the Mayor from the Burnham hovercraft
A long line of classic cars stretched along Burnham’s Esplanade
This golden 1967 Ford Sedan was among the attractions on display
A 1959 Bedford Coach was among the larger vehicles on show
The Mayor and Mayoress with the winners trophy and several of the event’s official collectors, Sarah and Adrian Sweet
This huge 1969 Austin A60 Pick-Up was among the more unusual vehicles on show
A colourful vintage lorry was on display in the Somerfield car park
Bright sunshine brought out the crowds to the popular event
The Mayor and Mayoress thanked the BARB crew for their help during the event
Spectators were able to see a wide range of classic vehicles up close
The vehicles were waved off by the Mayor besides the Tourist Information Centre
